Can a Bike Seat Lead to Urological Problems?

A bike seat alone cannot lead to urological problems; however, it is possible for frequent bikers to have complications due to bike riding. Read how to reduce your risk for urological problems while riding a bike below.

Aggravating Existing Problems

For men who have prostate cancer, an enlarged prostate, or any other urological issues, biking can cause discomfort. Pressure from the bike seat on the genital area can irritate an inflamed prostate, reduce sperm flow, or cause elevated PSA (prostate-specific antigen) levels. Before having your PSA tested, it is best to wait at least 24 hours after biking. An elevated PSA test due to an intense biking trip can cause a false positive.

Riders have been known to become numb from conventional bike seats. Changing riding positions and spending some time off the seat while riding can alleviate numbness. Another option is to use a recumbent bicycle that takes the weight off the genital area.

Pregnancy

If you and your partner are having difficulty becoming pregnant, it is possible that biking could be a contributing factor. As mentioned above, frequent bikers often have reduced sperm flows due to the pressure from the bike seat. Therefore, taking a break from biking can help increase the possibility of pregnancy. Using other forms of exercise temporarily can alleviate sperm reduction, and you can go back to biking after you and your partner conceive.

Alternative Bike Seats

Because of issues with pressure, there are alternative bike seats that you can try. Look for models that have a nose-less saddle for an upright bike. Recumbent bikes generally do not cause any issues with male genitals because the pressure is on the buttocks instead of the prostate and genitals.

Health and Biking

In general, biking is good for your health, including prostate health. Regular exercise has been shown to reduce the risk of developing prostate cancer.